Find your data weakness, then use our tips to build better data habits that can help you save money.
There are many ways to save data, but the trick is to find the way that’s going to work best for your needs. If you keep running out of data, read on… this is for you! Spot your bad data habits, then see what you need to do to make your data last longer.
Bad data habit: You’re always on social media. Like always.
You can’t pick up your device without opening a social app – or three. You respond to notifications immediately. You’re every friend and family member’s emergency contact because you will reliably be near (or on!) your phone at any time of day or night.
Data-saving solutions
To limit your usage, start by turning off notifications for all your apps. Think of it like a digital detox that saves money. If you’re not being constantly tempted to pick up your phone, you’re less likely to go online and use data. If going cold turkey is too hard, at least do this: turn off automatic downloads in WhatsApp and autoplay in your social media apps. Doing that will limit data-sucking images and videos from displaying when you’re not on Wi-Fi.
Bad data habit: You Stream Music Online
Streaming playlists ‘cause you can’t get through the day without your tunes
You struggle to get through tasks without a soundtrack. You remember things based on what you were listening to at the time. Your headphones are only ever in one of two places: on charge or on your head.
Data-saving solutions
If you already have a premium subscription to your streaming platform of choice so that you don’t get interrupted by ads, you should be able to download playlists while you’re on Wi-Fi. Then you can listen to them on the go without using your mobile data. Forgot to download a playlist? No problem! You can now convert your VodaBucks into cash that you can spend in the VodaPay app. Use it to buy a top-up data bundle, so you’re not stranded in silence.
Bad data habit: Spending data on gaming
when you should be using it for studying or work
Your mobile device is not a smartphone to you – it’s a gaming console that happens to send texts and take calls. Gaming is how you unwind after a long day. Your family buys you gaming merch for your birthday.
Data-saving solutions
Check if the game you’re playing has a “data saver” mode. If it doesn’t, you can lower your data usage yourself by disabling (or at least limiting) voice chat and automatic updates and lowering your in-game graphics. If you’re typically gaming when other people are in dreamland, think about switching to a Vodacom contract or buying a Vodacom data bundle that qualifies for Night Owl data. This is free extra data you get with your qualifying contract or bundle that you can use between midnight and 5am.
Bonus tip: Make sure you enable low data notifications in your settings so that you know when your balance is getting low. Nothing helps you break bad data habits like the threat of running out!
Breaking bad data habits doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love – it’s about being smarter with how you use them. Whether you’re a social media enthusiast, music lover, or gaming fanatic, small changes like turning off notifications, downloading content on Wi-Fi, or using data-saver modes can make a big difference to your monthly spend.
Browse the Datawyze section to find even more tips to stretch your megabytes.
